Knox Twp. man sentenced to eight years in death of neighbor

A Knox Township man who plead guilty to murdering his neighbor on July 2, 2013, will serve eight years in prison.

Frank Gorichky, 54, was sentenced Thursday in Columbiana County Court on a charge of reckless homicide in connection with the death of Mike Fisher, 46.

"Eight years in prison is the maximum sentence," said Columbiana County Prosecutor John Gamble. "Gorichky was sentenced to three years on the reckless homicide charge, which is the maximum sentence, plus three years for the gun specification, plus an additional two years of incarceration for the weapons under disability charge."

The potential maximum consecutive sentence was 10 years.

"There was also an obstructing charge, but it was essentially merged with the other charges," Gamble said.

The arrest came after Columbiana County sheriff's deputies found Fisher dead of a gunshot wound on the front porch of Gorichky's home, located at 9 Kevin Drive in Alliance.

After being taken into custody that night, Gorichky was charged the following day with murder by the Columbiana County prosecutor.

However, on July 12, 2013, the judge reduced the charge to reckless homicide, a third-degree felony.

"There was alcohol involved, along with a verbal dispute between the two men," Columbiana County Sheriff Ray Stone said at the time. "The men were reported to be back and forth between the two trailers prior to the shooting."